Following the epic US Open at Merion, the golfing world now turns its attentions to one of the most unique tournaments of the year, the 2013 British Open.

Whereas the Masters is known for its spectacular scenery, and the US Open and PGA their severity, there is one thing that sets the British apart and that is its unpredictability with this year’s edition at Muirfield certain to be no different.

Lying around 75 miles south of St Andrews alongside the Firth of Forth, Muirfield is known as one of the fairest layouts in the British Isles and all of the 156 players teeing it up in the first round on July 18 will know that they will only have themselves to blame if they buckle under the weather and wind.

Nicklaus, Player, Watson, and Faldo have all won in Gullane, while defending champion, Ernie Els, also happens to be the last man to have lifted the Claret Jug in East Lothian, following an epic play-off win over Steve Elkington, Stuart Appleby, and Thomas Levet in 2002.

Els’ triumph 13 years ago was a tournament that involved everything we love about the competition, as after a fairly benign opening two days, the wind changed direction in the third round, with Tiger Woods the most notable name to be almost literally blown off course, eventually carding an 81.

The reinvigorated Woods will undoubtedly be hoping for revenge in 2013 and, as he did in 2000 and 2005 at St Andrews and Hoylake in 2006, he will be looking to plot his way round another of Britain’s most famous layouts. This year, Tiger Woods is at 8/1.

However, as that fabled day showed, even the best can’t always deal with what the British Open throws at them and that’s why we are all so excited about what promises to be another epic battle on the links. Can’t wait!